Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

James A. Murphy & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

1020 Dorchester Ave

Dorchester, Massachusetts

EDWARD COTTER Obituary

COTTER, Edward J. "Ted" Of North Weymouth, formerly of Dorchester, died suddenly on February 25, 2021 at the age of 70 years. Beloved husband of Nancy (Kent) Cotter. Loving father of Kristin Cotter and her husband Nelson Depina of North Weymouth. Devoted grandfather of their son, Declan Cotter Depina. Son of the late Edward F. Cotter and June M. (Daly) Cotter. Loving brother of Kevin L. Cotter and his wife Elizabeth of Quincy, John J. Cotter and his wife Mary Ann of Pembroke, William F. Cotter and his wife Eileen of Dorchester, and June M. (Cotter) Lanctot and her husband Peter of Foxboro. Also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Ted was a graduate of Boston State College '72 and Suffolk University Law School '75. He served as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate of the Middlesex County Juvenile Court while also teaching Business Law at Curry College for 21 years before retiring from both in 2017. Ted had also held administrative positions in the Office of the Attorney General, the Massachusetts Senate Rules Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and had a private law practice. Ted loved to spend time with his family, boating, and taking daily trips to the local dog park with his with his best four-legged friend, Zoey. He was a longtime member of the Clover Club of Boston. Family and friends will honor and remember Ted's life by gathering for visiting hours in St. Margaret Church of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 800 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, on Thursday, March 4, from 4-8 P.M. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning, March 5, at 11 A.M. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted's memory may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at give.bcrf.org. For guestbook, please visit www.jmurphyfh.com Arrangements by the Murphy Funeral Home, DORCHESTER.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD COTTER

Not sure what to say?





DK Williams

September 13, 2021

I am so saddened to hear of Teddy's passing. May your memories give you joy.

George Keches

March 6, 2021

Nancy- Condolences- Always considered a great and loyal friend-will never forget formative State House years.

The Snow family

March 5, 2021

Our deepest sympathies to the Cotter family for the loss of this fine man. May he Rest In Peace.

Lee Colello

March 4, 2021

One of Ted's friends from Stoddard's Neck - Ted and Zooey will be missed - he was helpful, when he could, he was open-hearted with all of us and mornings are not going to be the same

robert howard

March 4, 2021

so sorry to about ted was a wonderful man knew him from court house god bless ted

Mary & Jim Morris

March 4, 2021

So very sorry the passing of Teddy.
Hard to believe this happened.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers

Skip McCormack

March 3, 2021

To the Cotter family, I am sorry for your loss.
I hope the many happy memories of your lives with Teddy will help sustain you in these very sad times.
Condolences also go out all of the friends and co-workers whose lives Ted touched.
He made all our lives a lot better and a lot more fun.

I first met and became friends with Teddy in the 70s when we were both embarking
on our legal carriers in and around the state house and the AG's office.
We attended a number of social and political events.
There were always many stories.
There was always a lot of laughter.

After our early working years, our life paths went in different directions.
I have not seen Teddy in a number of years.
Yet, I still considered him my friend.
I will miss you Teddy

Rest in Peace.

Sally Janulevicus

March 3, 2021

Ted was a good and generous soul. He lived to be helpful and to give counsel to those who needed guidance. He was good for a quip or a story and never gave the Reader's Digest version if he could help it! I will miss the many ways in which Ted tried to help me navigate through the politics and realities of life as a sole practitioner. He loved his Wife ("the sainted Nancy"), his daughter and her beautiful baby, and his little dog Zoey and his extended family with all of his heart. I wish you all comfort during this sad time.

Darlene Joslin

March 3, 2021

To the entire Cotter family, sending our heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Teddy will be missed by so many. I will remember many of our family memories and laughter he gave us throughout my life! GOD bless you Ted and give Dianne , Mom, and Dad a kiss from us! ❤

Oliver Stapleton

March 3, 2021

Sincere condolences to the Cotter family, from your family in Ireland. Ted is Home now to his eternal rest, watching over and protecting his family here on earth. Remember the Good Times and know that you are all in our Prayers. Oliver Stapleton and Family, Limerick, Ireland

Monika Wiessmeyer

March 3, 2021

To the Cotter family, we are so sorry to hear about Ted. I knew him many years as a neighbor of my father-in-law Willi and as a frequent visitor at Stodders Neck with his faithful dog companion. He was a kind, compassionate man and a pleasure to talk to. He will be missed.

Fred Harris

March 3, 2021

To the Cotter Family,
I am so sorry to learn of Ted's passing. He was a great friend and help to many in the Court system and a terrific friend at the Clover Club. He will be truly missed. In my prayers.
Fred Harris

Bob Fallon

March 2, 2021

Dear Cotter Family, we are so sorry to hear about Teddy, he was a one of the great ones and dear friend.He was a true Gentleman and great person to so many people and my In law's Family The Quinns especially!. I've known Teddy since High School ,and always enjoyed seeing him and at the Clover.He's done so much for so many and will surely be missed. Please accept our deepest condolences,as you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

David Mcgann

March 2, 2021

To the Cotter family, my condolences on the passing of Ted. I met Ted over 20 years ago when he was working at the juvenile court in Cambridge. I was a Waltham Police Detective at this time. Later Ted came to the Waltham court where we became friends. I did many clerks hearings with Ted. When there was a juvenile to help at these hearings Ted was always compassionate. I really enjoyed working with Ted, a true professional. Ted and I retired a year apart. Ted you will be missed.

Paul Nwokeji

March 2, 2021

To the Cotter Family, Sorry for the Big loss of your loved one, BIG TED, as we all called him in Middlesex county. He was a good man and still he is. He is My African brother. Cry no more, He is now in the right hand of the Lord. May his Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen. May God Bless your family during this time of your mourning. From Paul and Pam Nwokeji, African Brother.

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

The McLean and Joseph Families

Sent Flowers

The McLeans

March 2, 2021

Dear Cotter Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. May your hearts be filled with the good memories you have of Ted and the love he shared with all of you. We have been and will continue to pray for the family.

Love,
Tikola and Kevin McLean

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Love from Jean Eisenstadt

Planted Trees

Tikola and Kevin McLean

March 2, 2021

We are so sorry for your loss. May your hearts be filled with the good memories you have of Ted and the love he shared with all of you. We have been and will continue to pray for the family.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Holly, Andrew, Alex all of TCA

Planted Trees

Daniel Pokaski

March 2, 2021

Dear Cotter Family,
Teddy was a great friend and wonderful co worker with me at the State House and in the court system.
I will always cherish the memories of those years of which he was a big part.
Please accept my deepest condolences,as you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Dan Pokaski

Greater Glory Basket

Mary Louise

Sent Flowers

Bobby Ahern

March 2, 2021

Very sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace

Melissa Garlisi

March 2, 2021

Kristin and Nelson, I'm so sorry to learn of your family's loss. I'm thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Sending support and love. Melissa Garlisi

Thoughts of Tranquility Floor Basket

Pegah, Parissa, and Kasra

Sent Flowers

Michael Sullivan

March 2, 2021

To the Cotter Family:

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Ted was one of the greatest guys, always willing to lend a helping hand. It would be impossible to name all the kids and families he has helped.

As in the movie a Wonderful Life, who could imagine a world untouched be Ted. He made a difference.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael Sullivan
And the Members of the
Superior Court Clerks’ Association

Tom Fothergill

March 2, 2021

My condolences to Ted's family. I had the pleasure of meeting Ted when he worked at the Juvenile Court in Cambridge. Not only was Ted extremely bright and an invaluable resource for information, he was also always willing to help anyone and everyone, whether it was a co-worker, a judge, a lawyer, a social worker, a police officer, or a member of the public who may have felt intimidated by the court. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Brendan McMullin

March 2, 2021

My condolences to Ted's family and sprawling group of friends. Ted was a wise and welcoming man, at home in a tux at the Park Plaza or on the bench at Stodders Neck with Zoey. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Ted. I'm grateful to have known you.

Diseanna Joseph

March 2, 2021

The Joseph Family would like to send all our love and sympathies for the Cotter family. We pray god gives you strength and comfort♥ Ted was an amazing man to know and will be greatly missed.

Kara Fratto

March 2, 2021

My condolences to the family. Ted was always very nice and respectful to me in court. I'm sure you will all miss him greatly, but I hope you will take comfort in your memories.

Paul Mahoney

March 2, 2021

I had the pleasure of working with Ted at the senate for several years. I often met up with him around the city at various events. He knew
hundreds of people and was fun to share times with him.May he Rest In Peace.

Bill Lavery

March 1, 2021

So sorry to hear of teds passing he was a colleague and loyal friend may he rip

martha Hairston

March 1, 2021

My condolences to the family,Rest In paradise Ted it was my pleasure to work with you at the Cambridge juvenile

martha Hairston

March 1, 2021

My condolences to the family,Rest In paradise Ted it was my pleasure to work with you at the Cambridge juvenile

Lynne Reback

March 1, 2021

My condolences. Thinking of all of you. Hoping that he and Dianne are catching up in heaven. ❤

John Belliveau

March 1, 2021

Nancy, I am so so sorry ! My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You will be in my prayers !

Susan Kiely

March 1, 2021

To the Cotter Family,
Your dear Ted was a friend of mine from the dog park. He held court (no pun intended!) at the front gates and seeing him was always a pleasure. He would have Zoey on his lap and Fiona close by, and of course his signature cigar. Seeing him always reminded me nice weather was coming or already there. His missed presence will be felt at the park and immeasurably in your lives. Though knowing him only briefly I will miss seeing him. May the weather in heaven be as beautiful as it was on its best day at Stodders.
Much love,
Susan

Francis X Flaherty

March 1, 2021

What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him.Ted touched so many lives for the good. I’m grateful I had the chance to know him as both a colleague and a cherished friend.
I have the best memories of our exchanging stories and sharing laughs before theJuvenile session would begin each morning at Cambridge Juvenile Court.
May he enjoy Everlasting Life with those who have gone before him.

Leslie Cooke

March 1, 2021

I’m so so sorry to hear of Teddy's passing! My last conversation with Teddy was how can I help your son who is in college, always trying to figure out how he could help, best guy!!❤Heartbroken for you all, sending love and prayers to the whole family!!!

Joe & Pam Stafford

March 1, 2021

Nancy and Kristin we are so sorry for your devastating loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Pam and Joe Stafford

Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results

Make a Donation
in EDWARD COTTER's name

Memorial Events
for EDWARD COTTER

Mar

4

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

St. Margaret Church of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish

800 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125

Mar

5

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Margaret Church of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish

800 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125

Funeral services provided by:

James A. Murphy & Son Funeral Home, Inc.

1020 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125

How to support EDWARD's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor EDWARD COTTER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more